Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague. New Living Translation He turned his anger against them; he did not spare the Egyptians’ lives but ravaged them with the plague. English Standard Version He made a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death, but gave their lives over to the plague. Berean Standard Bible He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. King James Bible He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; New King James Version He made a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave their life over to the plague, New American Standard Bible He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their souls from death, But turned their lives over to the plague, NASB 1995 He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave over their life to the plague, NASB 1977 He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave over their life to the plague, Legacy Standard Bible He leveled a path for His anger; He did not hold back their soul from death, But gave over their life to the plague, Amplified Bible He leveled a path for His anger [to give it free run]; He did not spare their souls from death, But turned over their lives to the plague. Christian Standard Bible He cleared a path for his anger. He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. Holman Christian Standard Bible He cleared a path for His anger. He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. American Standard Version He made a path for his anger; He spared not their soul from death, But gave their life over to the pestilence, Contemporary English Version God released his anger and slaughtered them in a terrible way. English Revised Version He made a path for his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; GOD'S WORD® Translation He cleared a path for his anger. He did not spare them. He let the plague take their lives. Good News Translation He did not restrain his anger or spare their lives, but killed them with a plague. International Standard Version He blazed a path for his anger; he did not stop short from killing them, but handed them over to pestilence. NET Bible He sent his anger in full force; he did not spare them from death; he handed their lives over to destruction. New Heart English Bible He made a path for his anger. He did not spare their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence, Webster's Bible Translation He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. World English Bible He made a path for his anger. He didn’t spare their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe ponders a path for His anger, "" He did not keep back their soul from death, "" Indeed, He delivered up their life to the pestilence. Young's Literal Translation He pondereth a path for His anger, He kept not back their soul from death, Yea, their life to the pestilence He delivered up. Smith's Literal Translation He will prepare a beaten path for his anger; he spared not their soul from death, and their life he delivered to the word; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe made a way for a path to his anger: he spared not their souls from death, and their cattle he shut up in death. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible He cleared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death, but delivered their animals to the plague. New Revised Standard Version He made a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death, but gave their lives over to the plague. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe resorted to strong measures; he spared not their souls from death, and gave their cattle over to the pestilence; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he breached the evil path and did not spare their souls from death and delivered their animals to death. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He levelled a path for His anger; He spared not their soul from death, But gave their life over to the pestilence; Brenton Septuagint Translation He made a way for his wrath; he spared not their souls from death, but consigned their cattle to death; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context I Will Open My Mouth in Parables…49He unleashed His fury against them, wrath, indignation, and calamity—a band of destroying angels. 50He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. 51He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.… Cross References Exodus 12:29 Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. Numbers 16:46-49 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” / So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. / He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. ... 2 Samuel 24:15-16 So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. / But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Isaiah 10:25-26 For in just a little while My fury against you will subside, and My anger will turn to their destruction.” / And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt. Jeremiah 21:5-6 And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. / I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague.’ Ezekiel 7:8-9 Very soon I will pour out My wrath upon you and vent My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. / I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow. Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes. Amos 4:10 “I sent plagues among you like those of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camp, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. Habakkuk 3:5 Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. Revelation 6:8 Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. Revelation 9:15 So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. Revelation 15:1 Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed. Revelation 16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.” Matthew 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Luke 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven. Treasury of Scripture He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; made away. Job 27:22 For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand. Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity. Ezekiel 7:4,9 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD… life over to the pestilence. Exodus 9:3-6 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain… Jump to Previous Anger Death Delivered Kept Life Path Pestilence Plague Pondereth Prepared Soul Spare Spared Way WrathJump to Next Anger Death Delivered Kept Life Path Pestilence Plague Pondereth Prepared Soul Spare Spared Way WrathPsalm 78 1. An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God9. The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient 67. The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David. He cleared a path for His anger; This phrase indicates God's deliberate and purposeful action in executing judgment. In the context of Psalm 78, which recounts Israel's history and their repeated disobedience, this action reflects God's righteous response to sin. The imagery of "clearing a path" suggests removing obstacles to allow His wrath to proceed unhindered. This can be connected to the Exodus narrative, where God’s judgments against Egypt were both a demonstration of His power and a means to deliver His people (Exodus 7-12). Theologically, it underscores the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. This concept is echoed in Romans 1:18, where God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness. He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, demonstrating His righteous judgment and sovereignty. 2. The Israelites The recipients of God's actions, experiencing both His deliverance and His discipline. 3. Egypt The land where the plagues occurred, representing opposition to God's will. 4. The Plagues Specific events used by God to execute judgment and demonstrate His power. 5. Moses and Aaron Though not mentioned in this specific verse, they were key leaders during the time of the plagues. Teaching Points God's Righteous JudgmentGod's actions are always just, even when they involve severe measures like plagues. His holiness demands justice against sin. The Consequences of Disobedience The Israelites' experience serves as a warning about the serious consequences of turning away from God. Disobedience leads to judgment. God's Sovereignty and Power The plagues demonstrate God's control over creation and His ability to execute His will. Believers can trust in His ultimate authority. The Importance of Repentance While God is just, He is also merciful. Repentance can lead to restoration and protection from judgment. Learning from History Reflecting on past events, like the plagues, helps believers understand God's character and encourages faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 78:50?2. How does Psalm 78:50 demonstrate God's authority over life and death? 3. What lessons can we learn about obedience from Psalm 78:50? 4. How does Psalm 78:50 connect with God's justice in Exodus 12:29? 5. How can understanding God's wrath in Psalm 78:50 impact our daily choices? 6. What role does divine judgment in Psalm 78:50 play in your spiritual growth? 7. What does Psalm 78:50 reveal about God's judgment and mercy balance? 8. How does Psalm 78:50 reflect God's sovereignty over life and death? 9. Why did God choose to unleash His wrath in Psalm 78:50? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78? 11. If suffering purifies people, why do some suffer terribly and never grow from it? 12. Why would God threaten complete destruction (Jeremiah 21:5-6) instead of offering a path to repentance, seeming to contradict earlier scriptures that highlight mercy? 13. Psalm 4:4: Is it realistically possible to experience anger without sin according to modern psychology, and how does this align with biblical teachings elsewhere? 14. What defines a spiritual stronghold? What Does Psalm 78:50 Mean He cleared a path for His angerThe verse begins with a vivid picture of God removing every obstacle so His judgment reaches Egypt without hindrance. • Psalm 78 is recounting the Exodus story; here the focus shifts to the climactic plague on the firstborn (Exodus 11–12). • “Cleared a path” shows deliberate, sovereign action—God is never thwarted when He chooses to act (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27). • Similar language appears in Nahum 1:3–6, where the Lord’s way is in the whirlwind and storm; nothing resists Him. • Verse 49 just mentioned “a band of destroying angels”; verse 50 explains how those angels found an open highway to carry out judgment. He did not spare them from death The next line highlights the severity of divine justice. • “He did not spare” echoes later statements about God’s impartiality in judgment (2 Peter 2:4–6; Romans 11:21). • In Exodus 12:29–30 the firstborn of Egypt die at midnight—no social rank, household, or palace gate provides refuge. • The righteous standard of God demands payment for persistent rebellion; Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Exodus 9:34–35) brings the nation to this irreversible point. • Even today this reminds believers that sin’s wages remain death (Romans 6:23) and that only God’s mercy in Christ averts the sentence. But delivered their lives to the plague The final clause explains the means God used. • “Delivered” shows active handing over, the same verb Paul later uses when speaking of God giving people over to their chosen path (Romans 1:24). • The “plague” is specifically the death of the firstborn, the tenth and final judgment (Exodus 12:12–13). Blood on Israelite doorposts shielded them, but Egypt was “delivered” to it. • Psalm 105:36 revisits the same act, emphasizing that God strikes down oppressors to redeem His people. • For believers, the contrast is striking: Christ was “delivered over to death for our trespasses” (Romans 4:25), becoming the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) so we would not be handed over to wrath. summary Psalm 78:50 underscores the holiness and unstoppable justice of God. He deliberately prepared the way for judgment, spared no unrepentant sinner, and employed the plague to break Egypt’s resistance and free Israel. The verse calls us to remember that the Lord still rules with the same righteousness, yet offers shelter in the blood of a greater Passover Lamb for all who trust Him. (50) Made a way.--Literally, levelled a path. So Symmachus.Verse 50. - He made a way to his anger; literally, he levelled a way for his anger; i.e. made a smooth path for it (Cheyne). He spared not their soul from death; rather, held not back their soul. But gave their life over to the pestilence. This is, undoubtedly, the true meaning, and not "he gave their beasts over to the murrain." Though no "pestilence" is expressly mentioned in Exodus 12. as having caused the death of the firstborn, yet pestilence may assuredly have been the means employed.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He clearedיְפַלֵּ֥ס (yə·p̄al·lês) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6424: To roll flat, prepare, to revolve, weigh a path נָתִ֗יב (nā·ṯîḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5410: Path, pathway for His anger; לְאַ֫פּ֥וֹ (lə·’ap·pōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire He did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no spare חָשַׂ֣ךְ (ḥā·śaḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2820: To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe them נַפְשָׁ֑ם (nap̄·šām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion from death מִמָּ֣וֶת (mim·mā·weṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin but delivered הִסְגִּֽיר׃ (his·gîr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender their lives וְ֝חַיָּתָ֗ם (wə·ḥay·yā·ṯām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life to the plague. לַדֶּ֥בֶר (lad·de·ḇer) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1698: A pestilence Links Psalm 78:50 NIVPsalm 78:50 NLT Psalm 78:50 ESV Psalm 78:50 NASB Psalm 78:50 KJV Psalm 78:50 BibleApps.com Psalm 78:50 Biblia Paralela Psalm 78:50 Chinese Bible Psalm 78:50 French Bible Psalm 78:50 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 78:50 He made a path for his anger (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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